Testing ahead of treatment is a proactive method of controlling worm burden in dairy herds, and Wynnstay is offering free gutworm tests to help reduce the need for blanket worming.

Intestinal parasites can have serious impacts on both production and fertility, explains Rich Wild, animal health manager at Wynnstay. "A key impact is loss of production; in dairy herds it will impact milk yields, and this will, of course, have an impact on the all-important bottom line," he adds.

By testing before treating, this will give a steer on the scale of the worm burden, if there is one. "Rather than blanket treating ahead of housing, it's about understanding whether the animals need worming or not. It's also about using the right products, at the right time, for the right situation – particularly with the growing resistance to wormers," notes Mr Wild.

"The test is really straightforward; a Wynnstay representative will come out to the farm and take a sample from the bulk milk tank, which is then sent off to the lab. The results come back in two or three days, at which time we can determine whether there is a worm burden or not."

We can then advise if a wormer is required or not. "If there was a gutworm problem, we might recommend something like Eprizero, which is useful because it has zero withdrawal on milk and meat."

And if worming is required, it is important to get the dosage correct. "Knowing the weight of the cattle is key because that will dictate the size of the dose; they don't want to be over or under dosed," says Mr Wild.

"Administering the correct dosage will lead to greater efficacy, reduce the risk of resistance and save money on treatment. For further guidance, speak to a specialist in your local Wynnstay store or contact your Wynnstay representative."

·       For more information visit https://www.wynnstay.co.uk/milk-tank-test-kit.